In this post:
- What Do You Need To Consider Before Buying A Litter Box For A Small Apartment?
- 12 Best Cat Litter Boxes For A Small Apartment
- Where To Put The Cat Litter Box In A Small Apartment?
- How Many Litter Boxes Does My Cat Need?
- What Type Of Litter Should I Choose?
- How To Maintain A Litter Box In A Small Space?
- Closing Thoughts
If you’ve ever shared your house with a cat then you know that for the most part, they’re easy-going roommates to have. They can feel perfectly comfortable in a small apartment or space as long as their needs are being met.
While you might have covered their entertainment area, and their dining corner it’s time to figure out where you can fit their litter box, and what litter box will work best for your limited space.
Most cat owners don’t want their cat’s litter box displayed and the cat won’t be happy with this situation either. So, not only do you need to make sure that your small apartment doesn’t smell like a litter box, that the litter box goes unnoticed or blends in seamlessly, but you also need to pick the perfect spot where your kitty has easy 24-hour accessibility.
Having lived in tiny apartments with two cat roommates I’ve gathered a list of litter boxes that could work perfectly in your cramped space! As well as additional background information on how to make these litter boxes work for you and your cat.
If you just want to see which cat litter boxes made the list, you can see my favorites here:
- Best Overall: Catit Airsift Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
- Best Enclosed Litter Box: Pidan Igloo Cat Litter Box Dome
- Best Litter Box With High Walls: Litter Genie Cat Litter Box
- Best Corner Litter Box: IRIS USA Large Hooded Corner Litter Box
- Best Top Entry Litter Box: IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- Best Stainless Steel Litter Box: Ohmaker’s OhmBox Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box
- Best Automatic Litter Box: LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Best Premium Automatic Litter Box: PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- Most Stylish Litter Box: MS Cat Litter Box
- Best Camouflage Litter Box: Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box
- Best Furniture Litter Box: New Age Pet ecoFLEX Habitat N’Home Litter Loo
- Best Furniture Litter Box With Extra Storage: Penn-Plax Cat Walk Furniture
Before we get a closer look at each litter box let’s see what makes a litter box suitable for a tiny living space.
What Do You Need To Consider Before Buying A Litter Box For A Small Apartment?
Purchasing a litter box might seem like an easy job, but if you have limited space this can get tricky. So, what should you look into before you make the final decision?
Size And Shape
The most important thing you need to consider is the size. You should go for a litter box that’s not too big so you can fit it nicely into your small apartment. But the litter box can’t be too small, so you also need to consider your cat’s size and mobility when they use it.
If you have a corner in your house or area where you plan to put the litter box make sure you measure it. This way you can compare the dimensions of your space to the litter box and know that it’s going to fit in.
Plenty of manufacturers offer the same litter box in multiple sizes so you won’t have limited choices. But you need to also look at the brand’s suggestions on which size will work best for certain size cats since breeds like the Maine Coon tend to be on the larger side.
Weight is another thing you need to consider since you will have to lift the litter box when it’s time to clean it. A lightweight litter box will help you maneuver it without any accidents and make your life easier!
Choosing a litter box with high sides can also reduce scattered litter that can make cleaning more difficult in cramped spaces. If your cat doesn’t like enclosed litter boxes one with high sides will also help reduce any accidents where your cat’s poop or pee might end up outside of the box.
The shape of the litter box might not matter if you have a large home, but with smaller apartments, it can help save space. Most boxes are rectangular, but they still might differ, like being narrow and long. Corner litter boxes are also great at saving space, but you will need to consider your cat’s size since they might not fit correctly into this shape.
Material
The material of the litter box might not save you any space, but it can make your life easier. Cleaning a litter box in a small apartment, especially when you have a shower unite can be a nightmare, believe me, I’ve been there.
You need to get a litter box that you can clean efficiently and quickly. This can be achieved by simply buying a self-cleaning litter box or choose an easy-to-clean material like stainless steel or polished plastic.
Slick surfaces will reduce litter sticking to the sides or bottom, will reduce odors and your scrubbing will be minimal. Consider the durability of the material, since stainless steel will last you a lifetime, and look for hard-durable plastic litter boxes that won’t crack with time.
Litter Box Type
The litter box market offers a huge variety, but when it comes to limited space enclosed or high-sided litter boxes are ideal. They offer privacy even in busy spaces like the living room which is super important for cats to continue using their toilet.
Enclosed litter boxes are also easy to blend with their surroundings and furniture. If you intend to keep your cat’s litter box in a room where guests come and go then you might want to pay attention to the aesthetic of the box.
Thankfully there are plenty of litter boxes that you can hide in plain sight and make part of your interior design.
If you spend a lot of your time away from home and you don’t want to come back to a stinky apartment, consider an automatic litter box that will take over the regular cleaning that needs to be done.
To eliminate tracking as much as possible and keep your floors litter-free you can go for a top entry litter box. This way you won’t lose the accessibility aspect of the litter box which is great if you can’t have a box with a side opening in your apartment. Of course, in this case, you’ll have to consider your cat’s mobility and age.
Budget
Finally, the price of the litter box might be another thing you’re concerned about. While quality should be our top priority not all of us can afford a futuristic litter box that cleans itself.
You also want to be sure that the product you buy will last you a long time, so you don’t have to waste more money along the way. That’s why look for brands that are well known in the pet industry, that offer a warranty, and that people leave high reviews on.
Living in a small apartment you’ll probably want to go for a litter box that also looks good and the box might end up on the pricy side. But there are plenty of ways to go around this, even inexpensive litter boxes made of plastic can look stylish, or you could build your own litter box enclosure.
I usually try to balance price and quality and I don’t mind paying slightly more if I know the product will last. You can also look for special offers on litter boxes and get the right kitty toilet in your budget!
12 Best Cat Litter Boxes For A Small Apartment
Now it’s time to look at our top choices for cat litter boxes that work great from small apartments!
1. Best Overall: Catit Airsift Jumbo Hooded Cat Litter Pan
- Large opening with paw-safe front door
- Spacious hood for privacy and easy access
- Hood lifts for efficient cleaning; built-in bag anchor
- Odor filter traps odors; compatible with Catit Ammonia Buster
- Raised back prevents spills and leaks
- Made from BPA-free materials
This Catit litter box is our number one choice for several reasons.
It features a paw-safe front door that will be easy for your cat to open and also helps prevent the cat litter from spilling over.
You can lift the hood for easy access for cleaning, while a built-in bag anchor frees hands for scooping.
This litter box also has a filter on the top door that traps and removes the bad odor. The design of this product is very convenient, since it has a raised back and an overlapping construction that prevents leaks when your cat urinates.
Catit litter box is available in two sizes – Regular and Jumbo. No matter how small or large your cat is – it can turn around inside and choose the most comfortable position to do its business.
The rectangular shape should also work great for smaller apartments and can be placed in a corner or against one wall.
This product is made of BPA-free materials.
Furthermore, Catit Aisift cat litter box features a handle for easy transport and can be secured with slider locks on each side.
What I Love About It: I love the paw-safe front door, the easy access for cleaning, and the filter that helps remove the nasty odor!
What I Wished It Had: Although the door swings open easily, some cats may think they are trapped inside. Make sure to inspect the door so that it swings both ways effortlessly
2. Best Enclosed Litter Box: Pidan Igloo Cat Litter Box Dome
Another great way to camouflage your cat’s litter box and make it fit into your small apartment is this Igloo Litter Box from Pidan.
First, we need to address the obvious perk which is the beautiful design. White is a color that works for most interiors, and the shape will make it easy to settle into a corner or anywhere where there’s limited space.
Aside from the beauty aspect, this litter box is very functional, since the grated hallway will minimize any tracking and will clean your kitty’s paws. Something that parents with longhaired cats will be extra pleased with.
If you also own a dog then you don’t have to worry about them getting anywhere near your kitty’s litter. The Pidan Igloo litter box is dog-proofed and the opening is designed so only your kitty can enter it.
For cats that are used to regular hooded boxes or open boxes, I’d suggest you keep the top of the Igloo box open until they get familiar with it and have covered it with their scent.
What I Love About It: The approachability of this cat brand is definitely top-notch! They clearly state that if your kitty has issues with using the litter box the company is happy to discuss this problem with you!
What I Wished It Had: The top of the dome is quite heavy and can make the cleaning tedious especially if you have limited space in your bathroom.
3. Best Litter Box With High Walls: Litter Genie Cat Litter Box
- Designed for cat comfort and privacy
- High walls (16”) prevent litter scatter
- Flexible, compact size for small spaces
- Easy clean-up with curved base and open hood
- Integrated handles for transport and emptying
- Essential for cat and small pet owners
The Genie litter box can work perfectly for cat parents that have a small apartment with limited space and whose kitties hate hooded boxes.
The sides including the handles reach up to 16 inches, the back’s highest-end goes up to 10 inches while the front lowest end is 6 and a half inches. This means that you don’t have to worry about leaks, or litter box accidents, and scattered litter.
The fact that this box is made of flexible plastic means that it can adapt to small spaces, like between furniture or in a small bathroom. While this litter box is great for small apartments it’s still large enough to accommodate your cat.
This same material makes the process of emptying the old litter spillage-free. By pairing this box with good quality litter that doesn’t get sticky you won’t need liners and you won’t have to struggle with your cat’s business ever again.
What I Love About It: Cleaning after cats that tend to pee outside the box is even harder if you have a small apartment, but the high sides of the Genie cat litter box promise to save your furniture and your cleaning time.
What I Wished It Had: Some reviews have mentioned that the material might be unsuitable for cats that are heavy diggers.
4. Best Corner Litter Box: IRIS USA Large Hooded Corner Litter Box
- Made in the USA with global materials
- Enclosed design reduces odors and keeps litter hidden
- Front entry for privacy and less spillage
- Corner design maximizes limited space
- Door flap catches litter particles on paws
- Included scoop with hook for easy storage
If you’re looking for a litter box large enough for your cat to turn around in and do their business, but you also want it to go unnoticed by your guests then Iris corner litter box is the one.
This litter box is made to fit into any corner available which makes it ideal for small apartments.
When you scoop your cat’s litter you don’t have to remove the whole top, instead, you can simply flip the hinged door that gives you and the shovel enough space.
Even if you ditch the top the high sides are great for cats that prefer to aim high. If you keep it closed you still don’t have to worry about leakage, and scattered litter since the top and bottom close tightly together to prevent such accidents.
What I Love About It: I definitely love its space-saving shape and you can make this box work for any room no matter how small your house is.
What I Wished It Had: No matter how convenient, the corner shape might not work for all cats and it might make them feel that the space inside is limited.
5. Best Top Entry Litter Box: IRIS Top Entry Cat Litter Box
- Made in the USA
- Top entry design keeps everything contained and reduces odors
- Provides privacy and less litter spillage
- Tall walls keep other pets out
- Grooves in the lid catch litter particles
- Included scoop hooks to the lid for easy storage
The Iris Top Entry litter box is definitely a space saver thanks to the narrow shape. It should also give your kitty a sense of safety and privacy since it keeps them more concealed than a regular flap-doored box would.
The design is also very sleek and beautiful and can make you forget that it’s a litter box. The variety of colors this brand offers can help you choose the one that best compliments your furniture.
As the shape might suggest it’s also great for cats that tend to pee outside their litter box. The walls around it won’t let any pee leak outside, but you do need to remember to scoop regularly. If the litterbox is too dirty your kitty might step into his own mess and transfer it outside.
If your kitty has mobility problems, or they seem to be too picky when it comes to their litter box then a top entry box might not work for them. But for most cats, there won’t be a problem and with more 16,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, we’re certainly not the only ones who like this litter box.
What I Love About It: The grooved cover catches most of the litter which means that you won’t have to keep sweeping the floor after each use.
What I Wished It Had: It doesn’t have a filter so you’ll have to make sure you scoop the litter regularly to avoid lingering smells.
6. Best Stainless Steel Litter Box: Ohmaker’s OhmBox Stainless Steel Cat Litter Box
- Made from high-quality stainless steel, lasts 5-10 years
- Scratch-resistant and rust-proof
- Extra large for big cats or multi-cat households
- High-sided walls for privacy and to prevent spills
- Smooth, non-stick interior for easy cleaning
- Equipped with tracking pedal and anti-litter tray
- 12-inch high walls to keep floors clean
- Includes scoop and anti-litter tray for convenience
When you live in a small apartment the size of the litter box does matter, but so does the cleaning factor.
Stainless steel litter boxes like the one from Ohmaker’s Ohmbox guarantees that the box itself won’t retain any odors. The smooth surface will also keep the litter from sticking to it which makes cleaning an easy task.
This is definitely a litter box that’s suitable for large cats. Unlike many other stainless steel litter boxes, the sides around the box are pretty high (6.1″).
This is a perfect litter box if you’re thinking of placing it into a litter box enclosure to save space. The material is leak-proof and it will help keep the enclosure from smelling.
What I Love About It: The brand made sure that this box is safe for a kitty to use, the sides are rounded to protect your kitty’s paws.
What I Wished It Had: The fact that it doesn’t have a cover means that there are more chances of finding scattered litter and your cat won’t have the privacy they need.
7. Best Automatic Litter Box: LitterMaid Single Cat Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Regular scooping is even more crucial when you live in a small apartment or studio, especially since cat urine can be so overpowering. If you’re too busy, then the LitterMaid automatic litterbox is what you need!
It’s definitely an affordable choice when it comes to self-cleaning litter boxes, but this doesn’t make it any less of a quality item.
How does it work? The litter box has rakes that remove waste after every use, and this process offers you a scoop-free time period of a week!
When first introducing your kitty to the LitterMaid litter box make sure it’s turned off and placed next to their old litter box. You can activate the self-cleaning process manually a few times a day until your kitty is used to the sound and once they’re using it regularly you can turn on the automatic setting.\
What I Love About It: The paw cleaning ramp helps prevent tracking around the box and it’s also perfect for older cats or cats with mobility issues.
What I Wished It Had: You might need to try different litters to see which works best.
8. Best Premium Automatic Litter Box: PETKIT Pura X Self-Cleaning Litter Box
- 76L capacity for cats up to 18 lbs; 15 days without scooping
- Low-entry design (20 cm) for older cats
- Safe with xSecure sensors; pauses when cat approaches
- Smart app control via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Tracks weight and litter usage
- Odor eliminator with silicone seal
- Place on flat floors; avoid carpets
If you don’t mind splurging on your cat’s litter box and you want something that screams futuristic the PETKIT self-cleaning litter box is definitely the one!
I chose this specific brand because it’s perfect for small apartments. The square shape makes it easy to place in a corner or a small space. The design is also beautiful and you’ll probably want to display it rather than keep it hidden.
It’s also efficient at keeping your place odor-free thanks to the purifying liquid designed to remove unpleasant smells.
This litter box is also great for most cats since it has plenty of space, and most importantly it’s safe. As with any automatic cat product, remember to disable the automatic cleaning feature until your kitty is acclimated to this litter box, and once you feel confident you can turn it on and monitor their reaction and litter box usage for the first days.
What I Love About It: This technological wonder has multiple sensors to know when your kitty is using it, it’s quiet and if you have one kitty you’ll most likely need to empty the tray once a week.
What I Wished It Had: The opening is quite high so senior cats with mobility issues might find it difficult to use.
9. Most Stylish Litter Box: MS Cat Litter Box
- Sleek design with magnetic suction cover
- Hut-like shape with round entrance for easy access
- Blends with home décor; includes hidden storage compartment
- Removable litter tray for easy cleaning
- Non-stick surface for effective odor-blocking
- Grated steps to reduce litter tracking
- Dimensions: 15 x 18 x 24 inches; weight: 8.8 lbs
- Suitable for cats up to 15 lbs
If you’re looking for a litter box that does the job and fits your aesthetic then the MS cat litter box might be designed not only for your cat but with you in mind as well.
Aside from the minimalistic appearance it’s also quite compact and can easily fit or even be displayed in your tiny space.
The grated steps in the entryway keep your cat’s paws litter-free as well as the floor. Thanks to the wooden feet you also don’t have to lift the litter box to clean any litter that might have been scattered around it.
Depending on your cat’s peeing style you might find leakage, but I can’t say that this is the litter box’s fault, it’s simply not suitable for high aimers. Some cats might simply need a bit of time until they learn how to properly use the MS litter box, but this is something definitely worth mentioning.
What I Love About It: Keeping everything in one place when you live in a small apartment is a wish come true, so the hidden storage must be my favorite thing!
What I Wished It Had: Depending on your litter you might find litter spilling from the bottom when you open the door.
10. Best Camouflage Litter Box: Good Pet Stuff Hidden Litter Box
- Enclosed litter box styled as a planter with faux plant
- Suitable for cats, dogs, rabbits, and small pets
- Top vented filter for odor control
- Removable planter top for easy cleaning
- Made from durable, eco-friendly polypropylene
- Quick assembly with 5 parts
- Made in the USA
It’s usually not easy to conceal a litter box unless you have a spare room, but with this hidden litter box, your guests will have a hard time noticing that it’s anything else but a planter.
You can easily add a tropical flavor to your living room with this box while your kitty can enjoy a spacious toilet. If you want the fake plant to look bushier or more colorful you can always add more to the top filter.
A great tip from a few customers worth mentioning is that if you want to make the cleaning process easier, or you want the bottom of the litter box to last longer, you could add a round basin inside with additional lining.
This method can make it easier to remove the litter whenever you want to dispose of it completely. It’s especially helpful to owners who have mobility issues since the bottom of the hidden litter box holds a large amount of litter and can get heavy.
What I Love About It: If this litter box doesn’t work out for your picky friend you can always turn this planter into a secret cat bed.
What I Wished It Had: For the cats that tend to chew on non-food objects or suffer from pica the artificial plant might prove dangerous.
11. Best Furniture Litter Box: New Age Pet ecoFLEX Habitat N’Home Litter Loo
- Absorbs moisture effectively
- Serves as both a stylish end table and a cozy pet house
- Durable against moisture, warping, cracking, and splitting
- Easy to maintain; pet urine simply rinses off
- No tools needed for assembly
- Features ventilation for pet comfort
- Designed to resist warping
- Built to prevent splitting
- Crack-resistant construction
While this is not a litter box itself it’s the perfect method if you want to keep your cat’s toilet concealed.
If you’re worried about the size there are two different options the Jumbo and standard. The jumbo has an extra shelf which can make this litter box serve more than one purpose.
I know it might still seem strange to keep your cat’s litter box for everyone to see, or you might afraid that they’ll smell certain odors. Thankfully the floors are sealed preventing scattering or pee leakage. This litter box is durable enough that it even made our list of the best outdoor litter boxes as well.
More so, the material of the ecoFlex litter cover doesn’t absorb moisture so you can be sure that the smells aren’t here to stay. Of course, regular cleaning is the only thing that can guarantee you an odor-free litter box.
What I Love About It: You can easily match this litter box enclosure with your furniture as it comes in 4 lovely colors.
What I Wish It Had: It would be nice if the brand included a litter box. According to customer Q&A, a litter tray with rim dimensions 35x20x48 fits perfectly.
12. Best Furniture Litter Box With Extra Storage: Penn-Plax Cat Walk Furniture
- Discreet cabinet design with cat-shaped entryways
- Shutter Style door for easy cleanup
- Fits standard small litter box or pet bed (not included)
- Top drawer and inner shelf for storage (not included)
- Flat top for decor or lounging
- Dimensions: 37.7” H x 20” W x 18.15” D
Last but not least on my list is the Penn-Plax cat furniture. Its multifunctional design was the reason why I thought it was important to mention another litter box enclosure.
I think this is a great piece of furniture to have in a bathroom, your hallway, and even your living room, no matter how small. Not only does it look good but it offers great storage so you don’t have to look for your cat’s litter in one place and then run for the liners or trash bags in another.
There are two entryways so you don’t have to limit yourself if you want to place this enclosure against a wall or another piece of furniture. Aside from these openings the shuttered door also offers extra ventilation.
It has enough space for a large litter box, and it can be the safest and quietest toilet for any cat no matter how large or shy.
What I Love About It: If you don’t want to use it as a litter box enclosure you can turn it into a cozy hiding spot. Instead of litter, and trash bags, you can store your cat’s food and toys.
What I Wished It Had: The material is not very solid, so after assembly make sure to move it with care.
Where To Put The Cat Litter Box In A Small Apartment?
When living in a small apartment finding the right space for your furniture feels like a game of Tetris and when a litter box is involved it can be even more complicated.
Not only does the litter box area has to work for you, and your limited space, but it should also suit your feline companion. So, how can you achieve this?
Make It Easily Accessible
No matter what kind of litter box you decide to purchase you need to make sure your kitty has full-time access to it. This is especially important when you decide on the room, you’re going to keep it. You will have to make sure that you leave the door to that room open all day, so your kitty doesn’t get frustrated and begin to eliminate outside the litter box.
If you’re thinking of placing the box in a corner hidden behind furniture, then make sure your cat doesn’t have to jump through obstacles to get to the opening. While top entry litter boxes might work for this arrangement they’re not suitable for kittens, older cats, or cats that have mobility problems.
Make It Feel Safe
Just like humans see bathrooms as a place where they can relax away from other people, so do cats need their privacy when doing their business.
A hidden but easily accessible litter box is usually a feline’s haven. If your cat is extra shy and you don’t have the luxury to have a room dedicated to their litter box then go for the enclosed type.
There are plenty of inexpensive hooded litter boxes with a flap door, which can usually be removed for the more finicky kitties. If you can only keep the litter box in the living room you can choose a multipurpose cat litter box that can be used as furniture
If your cat hates enclosed litter boxes, then you can use a curtain or some screen to make them feel that they have enough space, but no one can see them.
Privacy and safety are important, but you should also try to find a space where they won’t be disturbed by loud or sudden noises. A calm and quiet litter box environment in a low-traffic area is ideal for proper litter box use.
If you’re crafty you can always build a DIY litter box furniture around your cat’s litter box. Or you can transform hallway closets to accommodate your cat’s toilet as long they have full-time access to it, either by keeping the door open or adding a flap door.
Remember to keep the litter box away from your cat’s food and water bowls. Cats are clean animals, and they can start eliminating in another part of the house to avoid contaminating their food.
Ventilation Is Important
Another thing you need to consider before deciding on the perfect spot for your cat’s litter box is ventilation. All kinds of smells can easily spread and linger in small spaces and as we all know our cat’s toilets never smell like roses.
If you’re a new cat parent that hasn’t considered this issue or you’ve been struggling with litter box smells since day one, then consider moving the box to an area where there’s plenty of ventilation. It could be next to a window that you can open regularly. If your bathroom doesn’t have a window then make sure that it has a working exhaust fan.
Consider The Bathroom
Personally, bathrooms have worked best for me and my cats. Their enclosed litter boxes are usually placed as far away from the bathtub as possible to avoid any water splashing on them.
I also keep the small window open every time I want the bathroom to dry up since humidity isn’t ideal for the litter. Most importantly I make sure that the bathroom door is open at all times, unless I use it, even though sometimes my cats will follow me to the bathroom against my will.
It’s easy to make your cat’s litter box a safe space in mostly empty, and unused spaces like the bathroom. The tiles are easy to clean from litter particles, and you don’t have to move the litter box around the house when it’s time to clean it.
If you have limited space in your bathroom, consider getting a litter box that also serves as a piece of furniture so you can keep your cat’s litter box, litter, small bags, and liners in the same place. The top of the litter box enclosure could also be useful by placing your bathroom essentials on top of it. This way your guests will never even know that you have a litter box anywhere in your house!
Choose An Aesthetically Pleasing Litter Box
As I mentioned above picking a litter box that looks like a piece of furniture can really help hide your cat’s toilet in plain sight. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, but this choice definitely helps you make better use of that space instead of simply reducing it to your cat’s toilet.
If you don’t want to hide the litter box you can go for one that’s visually appealing and make every guest jealous that your cat is living the luxurious lifestyle they deserve!
Then again if you don’t want to spend extra money on an attractive litter box then a regular litter box can also work perfectly. Instead of looking at the style, you can choose the color that will best match your house.
Flashy and colorful litter boxes will draw the eye, while neutral shades will help blend your cat’s toilet seamlessly. Whether you want the litter box to be a statement piece or invisible the market is full of choices!
How Many Litter Boxes Does My Cat Need?
Living in a small apartment with one or more cats you might wonder what’s the appropriate number of litter boxes a cat should have and could two cats share the same litter box?
The RSPCA recommends that there should be one litter box per cat, and in some cases, a spare one might be even more beneficial. So, if you have two cats then you definitely need to have at least two litter boxes to avoid antagonistic behaviors.
Cats are territorial and a single shared litter box between two cats can cause stress, territorial aggression, excessive litter box behaviors like scratching and eliminating outside, and even health problems.
When it comes to two cats you can’t really get away with one litter box and it’s best you go with two that you can keep in different areas preferably. I know with small spaces this can be tricky, but with the right size litter box and camouflage, this could work.
If you have one cat you can dismiss the extra litter box but remember to clean up the single box more regularly than you already do. Cats don’t like dirty litter so scooping daily even twice a day can reduce litter box anxiety. Consider also cleaning the whole litter box every two weeks.
The good news is that you can always get an automatic litter box that can help you reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do.
Once you’ve figured out how many litter boxes your cat or cats need, the type of box you’ll get one thing you need to keep in mind is to monitor your cat’s litter box behavior. Are they using the new litter box frequently? Are they avoiding it? Do you notice sudden litter box aversion or conflicts between your kitties?
If there are issues coming up then you might want to change up the litter box conditions to see what works better or talk to your vet so you can also get a professional opinion in case there’s a medical issue at play.
What Type Of Litter Should I Choose?
Finding the right litter that works for your limited space, and most importantly your cat can be a journey. The numerous kitty litter brands can also add to one’s indecisiveness, and you end up wondering what litter type will actually stay fresh without causing an aversion in your cats.
According to Cornell Feline Health Center, “most cats prefer unscented, finer-textured litter about one to two inches deep.” And I know scented litter might seem like a dream when living in a small apartment, but your cat might end up hating it.
With certain brands you can choose clumping or non-clumping litter, how thick or fine the grains are which can play a crucial role in how easy it is to clean certain litter. There are many alternative and eco-friendly options as well, that don’t cause tracking, like wood pellet litter.
My cat and I prefer clumping, fine-grained litter because it’s easy to scoop without scattering the dirt around. So, for the first few days of trying the litter try looking at how it reacts to your cat’s pee; does it turn into a solid easily scooped up mass, or does it end up scattered everywhere, causing it to stick to your cat’s paws.
The litter you’re using could also be too harsh for your cat’s paws, or a certain brand can make them reluctant to use the litter box so I highly recommend giving Dr. Elsey’s Cat Litter a try. This litter was made by a veterinarian to specifically help with house soiling and it’s truly a premium litter.
- Premium quality 100% bentonite clay for maximum clumping
- 99.9% dust-free and hypoallergenic
- Hard clumping to prevent moisture and easy scooping
- Superior odor control for single or multi-cat households
- Low tracking to keep litter in the box
Another thing you need to consider when you’re buying litter is what happens to it when you scoop it out. Keeping it in a bag inside a small house can result in smells unless you throw it away on the same day, so you could look for biodegradable litter that’s flushable.
Remember that no matter how great your litter might be if you don’t maintain it, and change it regularly it will retain odors. So, everything needs to work in unison in order to keep the smells from lingering in your beautiful and tiny home.
How To Maintain A Litter Box In A Small Space?
When living in a small apartment the biggest issue I kept running into with my cats wasn’t so much the location of the litter boxes as much as the smell. The last thing I wanted was to feel embarrassed when calling people over.
Naturally, our cats are also picky and finicky when it comes to their toilets. So, not only does the litter box smell affects us but it’s also something that our cats don’t like.
So, here are my best tips to keeping your small apartment smelling fresh, like you don’t even have a litter box:
- Regular scooping, which according to research promotes proper litter box use.
- Regular cleaning by replacing the old litter with new at least once a week or a month, depending on your day-to-day scooping and the litter brand instructions.
- Choose the right litter for odor control, preferably without mixing different types of litter.
- Use litter mats to reduce tracking or go for a top entry litter box.
- Make sure the enclosed Litter box has a carbon filter and change it regularly.
- Choose a litter box made of good material that doesn’t absorb odors. Plastic litter boxes might have to be replaced periodically.
- Keep the litter box in a well-ventilated area.
Remember that the more cats you have you’ll have to be more careful with cleaning the litter boxes regularly, especially in small apartments and in rooms like your bedroom.
Finally, if you think your cat’s litter box smell is overwhelmingly strong then consider taking them to the doctor. Your cat might be ready to get neutered or spayed and so their urine might smell stronger, or they might be suffering from a condition that affects the smell of their urine.
Closing Thoughts
There are plenty of things a cat parent needs to consider before getting a litter box, especially if it needs to fit nicely in a small apartment. Thankfully, the market is full of choices that can help blend your cat’s toilet with your apartment-style while simultaneously keeping it a safe space for your kitty to do their business.
It’s truly wonderful that our feline companions live in a time that has made it possible to combine, aesthetics, efficiency, cleanliness in a litter box while keeping in mind their human’s budget.
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